Cooking With the Ancient: Bible Food Book

For over two thousand years we looked to the Bible for wisdom, solace, and spiritual support. The Patriarchs knew a thing or two. They left us poetry, history, and religious instruction. They also knew something about physical sustenance as well. The diet of the ancients was healthful, and, considering the times, they were reasonably healthy. They chose from an amazing array of unadulterated ingredients, locally grown and fresh, consumed in the sweet open air. Holy Land farmers harvested a large variety of vegetables and fruits; their diet was high in fiber, minerals, and vitamins. In Cooking With the Ancients we will attempt to eat what they ate. Not completely, certainly not forever. But for a short time and special occasions. To create a Bible Dinner for our family and guests, entertaining strictly from the Book. Ultimately, it is one more thread in the tapestry that we choose to examine, unraveling it from our earliest roots, finding continuity, traditi! on, folklore.

Arlene Stadd has served as a staff writer for television shows including General Hospital, The Doctors, Hotel, Hawaii 5-0, American Style, and Jeannie. She has been a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Playwriting Grant and the Writers Guild East Screenwriting Fellowship and has written the "book and lyrics" for several theater revues including Mickey's NYC, Songwriters Hall of Fame, as well as the "Year of the Child" telethon, and "A Small Miracle" Hallmark Hall of Fame.